An everyday sportscar evolved.
If anybody ask me about which NSX I prefer, I will always say the first gen NSX. I don’t really consider the new twin-turbo, three electric motor hybrid sportscar that Honda makes now a true NSX. The Honda NSX is known to be a pure sportscar providing a closer bond between driver and machine. Under the guidance of driving God Ayrton Senna during development, that goal was achieved. However, even Senna admitted, it wasn’t perfect.
Which is where the NSX-R comes in. Where pure gets taken to the next level. Most automakers will think the first thing to do when improving a model would be to crank up the power output. Honda decided to take a page from Lotus which is “simplify then add lightness.”
The NSX-R have many creature comforts end equipment removed such as sound deadening, power steering, spare tire, and stock seats replaced with one-piece carbon/kevlar racing seats. As another weight saving technique which doubles to transform the NSX to a purer driving machine, the traction control was also removed. Further weight reduction such as thinner rear glass and carpets, new lighter wheels, and gear shifter knob made of titanium rather than leather. The chassis bars for the front, rear, and door sills were also replaced with ones made of aluminum from the steel units on the stock NSX. Overall, 120kg of weight was shed in creating the NSX-R.
The 3.0 V6 VTEC heart producing around 270hp was left alone, but extra attention to detail was implemented in assembling the engines for the hardcore NSX to assure exact measurements on every part with no margin of errors. The chassis was enhanced with stiffer dampers and springs.
The end result is an NSX that Ayrton Senna wanted from the start. An everyday sportscar with the precision and thrill of a race car. It also marks the beginning of the Honda Type-R performance portfolio, with the Integra and Civic Type-Rs came afterward.
The first of Honda’s Type-R line represented here by the Tomica Premium line is exceptionally well done.This is one of my most anticipated car to get when I first heard the news about Tomica releasing this cast and on my vacation visiting my homeland. All the details present including the red lightweight racing seats inside. The only suggestion of improvement will be the wheels could put a little bit more effort but that said, I’ll take these over the usual Tomica wheels anyday.
Three of the finest from Japan to show the world especially Europe a different perspective of sportscars. Which one should I review next? Let me know in the comments on which you want to see up close.
That’s all for now. Sayonara!